Grant will let more fans attend basketball games

More seats for stadium:
More fans will be able to attend basketball games in Mackay.

MACKAY Basketball's Crater at Candlestick Park is not only known for champion basketball teams, but also for selling out of seats.

But that latter fact is set to change, thanks to a $250,000 Mackay Regional Council grant that will almost triple its seating capacity, from about 550 to more than 1700.

Mackay Basketball president Jason Borg said getting the new seats had long been a priority, because after corporate and season tickets were sold, there were only 51 tickets left to purchase on game night.

"We've sold out constantly for the last five years," Mr Borg said.

"...we have 51 tickets available at each game, which is sold out within 10 minutes.

"People have told me in the past they don't bother because they know they're not going to get a ticket."

He also said the seats were uncomfortable benches but the new ones would be individual seats.

Councillor Greg Martin said it was the first project, out of 18 shortlisted for the $3 million funding pool, to be fast-tracked.

"We've got a meeting in the next week to probably prioritise three or four other projects," he said.

There are unconfirmed rumours night-lighting at the cricket grounds for nationally televised games may be the next project to be announced.